Inquiry into ‘hostile takeover’ of Shropshire fire service
An independent firm will examine plans for what has been described as a "hostile takeover" of Shropshire Fire and Rescue by West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.
Ameo Alendi Consulting will analyse Mr Campion's plans and release a report to the Fire Authority by July 27.
Mr Campion has said that his taking over of the fire service would deliver the "best results" for the people of Shropshire, adding that it could save the taxpayer £4 million each year.
A consultation into the scheme will run until September.
Councillor Eric Carter, chairman of the fire authority, said that the plans amounted to a "hostile takeover", and that they wanted to study them very carefully.
"We've got two very high performing fire and rescue services and this is a big decision in a short amount of time," he said.
"The fire authority acts in the same way as a board of directors. We look after our services, which are very well respected in the community.
"We believe very strongly that local fire services are best run by local people.
"We want to know the implications of any change before a final decision on the plans are made.
"We'll look at it in detail, then submit the report to the PCC for his opinion. We've given it enough time to make a fully informed decision before the end of his consultation."
Councillor Carter, who also represents Newport on Telford & Wrekin Council, said that members of the fire authority will now meet with Shropshire MPs to get their take on the plans.
He said town council leaders had agreed that the plans needed to be independently analysed before any decisions were made.
But it was parish councils that most opposed the plans, Councillor Carter said.
"People relate to their locally-elected councils," he said.
"The fact that this responsibility would be handed to one person isn't something that people want.
"This particular proposal has cross party support. Leaders of the independents, democrats and labour all agree with what we're doing. Shaun Davies as well as other leaders of councils are unhappy with how this is being done."
Currently fire and rescue services are overseen by authorities made up of councillors from across the region.
The government has said it wants to see a more joined-up approach in the way police and fire services work together.
On January 25, 2016, the government announced it would bring forward legislation to enable police and crime commissioners to take over fire and rescue services.
It means PCCs could potentially create a single employer for both police and fire personnel if they are able to demonstrate a clear business case for doing so.
